Oxford United and the Firoka Group have signed a short-term extension to their licence agreement, allowing the Club to remain at the Kassam Stadium for up to two additional seasons.
The current licence, due to expire in June 2026, will now run for at least one more year, with the option of a second year, conditional on planning approval for the Club’s proposed new stadium. No further extensions or lease agreements will be available beyond this period.
Oxford United has thanked the Firoka Group and Firoz Kassam for their support in agreeing to the extension, which allows the Club to focus on delivering a sustainable new home at the Triangle site.
Club Chairman Grant Ferguson said: “The Club was facing some very difficult decisions on where to play after our licence expired in June 2026 and before our new stadium is ready.
“There has been a massive amount of work going on behind the scenes to get us to this point, and I would like to place on record my thanks to Firoz Kassam, who personally oversaw the discussions, which led to this short-term extension being signed.
“Agreeing this goes well beyond the terms of our existing arrangement and demonstrates Firoz’s support for the Club, particularly given this could potentially delay his plans for the site. We can now move forward with certainty as both parties look to the future.”
Firoz Kassam commented: “Oxford United have been a hugely important part of my life for over 25 years, but now is the right time for all of us to look to the next chapter.
“Agreeing to this extension allows Firoka Group to focus on developing the wider site for local people and the city of Oxford, whilst providing the Club with clarity in the short-term. It’s now up to others to approve planning to guarantee Oxford United’s long-term future.”
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “We welcome the certainty that this short-term lease extension provides for Oxford United, allowing the Club to continue playing at the Kassam Stadium for up to two further seasons as they progress their plans for a new stadium.
“With the existing license agreement due to expire in June 2026, this extension offers some security, but it also highlights the urgency of moving forward with the proposed stadium plans.”
